Copeland, McKenzie Guide Gary to 6-2 Win over KC in Series Opener
May 23, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Six innings of one-run ball from Jeff McKenzie in his season debut and four RBIs from Garrett Copeland paced the Gary SouthShore RailCats to a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City T-Bones on Tuesday night in the first meeting of the year between the two teams. The RailCats never trailed in their first road game of the season and had every starter except one reach base at least once.
Copeland opened the scoring with a two-out, three-run opposite field home run in the first. The homer was the 'Cats first of the season and was the third time through four games that Gary has scored in the first inning.
Gary (2-2) extended their lead to 4-0 with another two-out run in the second. After Mitch Glasser was hit in the left elbow to lead off the inning, Wilfredo Gimenez brought Glasser around to score from first with an RBI double off the top of the left-center wall.
The RailCats scored their final two runs of the evening in the fifth. Copeland increased the Gary lead to five RBI single to center for his second of two hits and last of four RBIs. Two batters later, Reggie Wilson floated a soft RBI single into right field, scoring Copeland from third.
Kansas City (1-3) ended the shutout with a run in the sixth. Keith Curcio led off the frame with a double down the right field line before stealing third. Zach Walters then brought in Curcio with a sacrifice fly to center.
The T-Bones added another run in the seventh to conclude the scoring. With Jordan Edgerton on third and two outs, Dylan Tice pulled an RBI single into right-center, trimming the RailCats lead to 6-2.
McKenzie (1-0) recorded the win after allowing one run on four hits and a walk over six innings. Lars Liguori and Gabe Perez combined for 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen while Alex Crosby, Copeland and Gimenez all finished with two hits each.
Tommy Collier (0-1) was tagged with the loss in his season debut for KC. Collier last just 4.2 innings, allowing six runs (all earned) on eight hits, two walks and two hit batsmen.
The RailCats continue their three-game series and six-game road trip against the T-Bones on Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m. RHP Daniel Minor (1-0, 5.40) makes his second start (first road start) against Kanas City.
The RailCats return home on Monday, May 28th for the start of a season-long 10-game homestand. Monday's game is the inaugural regular-season game vs. the Chicago Dogs and is Ketchup Appreciation Day, a Memorial Day Matinee, All You Can Eat Night ($10 wristbands for hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts) and another MetroPCS Monday at U.S. Steel Yard.
Jared Shlensky and Brennan Mense bring you all 100 RailCats game this season on WEFM (95.9 FM) and online at railcatsbaseball.com. Ticket packages for the 2018 Gary SouthShore RailCats season are available online at railcatsbaseball.com and can also be purchased by calling the RailCats ticket line at (219) 882-BALL. The RailCats box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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American Association Stories from May 23, 2018
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- T-Bones Fall in Home Opener in Front of Impressive Crowd - Kansas City Monarchs
- Saltdogs Complete 10-Run Comeback to Walk-Off Wingnuts - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Copeland, McKenzie Guide Gary to 6-2 Win over KC in Series Opener - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Lincoln Rally Stuns Wingnuts in Ninth - Wichita Wingnuts
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